Wolves striker Kevin Doyle has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland's friendly against Croatia tomorrow night and will return to his club this afternoon.

It had been expected that Doyle would feature in the match at the Aviva Stadium having received his first call-up to the Ireland squad since sustaining knee ligament damage in March.

But Republic boss Giovanni Trapattoni said today that the 27-year-old was "not 100% fit" and confirmed he would play no part against the Croats.

"The news from this morning is that we saw Doyle is not 100% fit and we decided with the doctor that he could go back to his club," Trapattoni said.

"It is better that his club decides for the future whether he should play or not play."

Trapattoni stressed the action had been taken as a precaution, but was uncertain of Doyle's chances of being available for Ireland's potentially crucial Euro 2012 qualifying double-header against Slovakia and Russia next month.

Asked if he thought Doyle might be fit in time, Trapattoni said: "We hope so. It is a difficult situation, because he will now be with his club.

"Yesterday I said 'I have to check Kevin' because the injury he had was very bad - I needed to check him psychologically.

"He was in a little bit of pain and I said 'it's better you stay (with Wolves) because of (the games in) September'."